California Man Dies After Assault Outside Trump-Themed Home

Kerry Sheron, 69, died Sunday night from injuries sustained in an assault Wednesday in Escondido, north of San Diego, the city’s police department said in a Monday statement. Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, also of Escondido, was arrested last week and charged with attempted murder, elder abuse, criminal threats and battery. He is being held without bail and pleaded not guilty at his Friday arraignment.

Garcia told NBC San Diego that the assault was unprovoked. ” Escondido police described the injuries as significant. Butler fled the scene and was taken into custody without incident. A bystander who intervened was also injured. Sheron was taken to a hospital and remained in critical condition until his death Sunday.

His wife told NBC San Diego the couple had been harassed and threatened over the decorations but never physically assaulted before.

Video captured by NBC San Diego showed Sheron’s house draped in American flags and signs celebrating President Donald Trump. Dozens of people gathered there last week to express support for Sheron. A relative’s verified online fundraiser stated Sheron died peacefully and surrounded by family.

The fundraiser identified him as an Army veteran known in the community for his patriotic decorations. The medical examiner has not released the cause and manner of death. San Diego County District Attorney’s Office spokesperson Tanya Sierra said a decision on additional charges will be announced at Butler’s next hearing, scheduled for June 3.